Wednesday 6 June 2012

Random Galaxy Generation

Information about the galaxy generator in the game with some examples of randomly created galaxies.

Generator Settings

When you start a new sandbox game you first need to generate a new galaxy. Some of the settings that you can change when doing this include:
  • Galaxy shape (spiral, elliptical, ring and starburst)
  • Number of star systems
  • Number of planets
  • Number of galaxy arms (used for starburst galaxies)
  • Random seed
  • Frequency of dead end systems (systems that have just a single stargate travel link)
  • Frequency of planet types (temperate, desert, ice, ocean, volcanic and gas)
  • Scarcity of asteroids and resources
  • Computer faction starting positions and relations
  • Starting planet, ships and resources
  • Background colour style

I havnt yet decided on the upper limit for the maximum number of star systems and planets. Theres no real performance issues with having 500-1000 systems but even set at 250 it will result in a very long game especially if your trying to conquer everything.

Spiral Galaxy Examples

(100 systems, many dead ends)

(250 systems, average dead ends)

 (500 systems, many dead ends)

Elliptical Galaxy Examples

(50 systems, few dead ends)



(100 systems, average dead ends)



(250 systems, few dead ends)


Ring Galaxy Examples

 
(50 systems, few dead ends)

(100 systems, many dead ends)

(250 systems, few dead ends)

Starburst Galaxy Examples

(50 systems, 5 arms, many dead ends)

(100 systems, 7 arms, few dead ends)

(250 systems, 10 arms, many dead ends)